Thorpe reveals 'crippling' battle with depression

Mental health organisation Beyond Blue says it hopes Ian Thorpe's decision to reveal his ongoing battle with depression will inspire other people to seek help.

In an extract from Thorpe's autobiography published on Saturday in Fairfax newspapers, the 30-year-old says he has battled "crippling depression" for much of his life.

He has admitted to abusing alcohol and having suicidal thoughts in the lead-up to the Athens Olympics.

"Not even my family is aware that I've spent a lot of my life battling what I can only describe as a crippling depression," the extract read.

"I used alcohol as a means to rid my head of terrible thoughts, as a way of managing my moods - but I did it behind closed doors, where many depressed people choose to fight their demons before they realise they can't do it without help.

"There were numerous occasions, particularly between 2002 and 2004 as I trained to defend my Olympic titles in Athens, that I abused myself this way - always alone and in a mist of disgrace."

Beyond Blue CEO Kate Carnell says the former Olympian is not alone in his struggle.

"Today a million people in Australia are experiencing depression, two million will have an anxiety disorder, so these are really really common issues," she said.

"What we've got to do is get more people talking about it as Ian Thorpe is now.

"It's just a pity he didn't talk about it earlier. I'm sure it would have helped him - it must have been a dreadful time for him when he was hiding it."

Ms Carnell says Thorpe's decision to reveal his long battle with depression is inspiring.

She says his story is not unusual.

"Alcohol is used by lots of people with mental health issues for self-medication purposes and of course it makes it worse," she said.

"I think as Ian Thorpe was saying, it's not a panacea it just seems like the only way forward at the time so that's the real reason that people need to put up their hands and say 'hey I'm suffering'."

Readers seeking support and information about suicide prevention can contact Lifeline on 13 11 14.